Module 14

Troubleshooting SQL Server

Module Overview

• A Troubleshooting Methodology for SQL Server

• Resolving Service-Related Issues
• Resolving Connectivity and Login Issues
Lesson 1: A Troubleshooting Methodology for
SQL Server

• Discussion: Characteristics of Good

Troubleshooters
• Applying a Troubleshooting Methodology
Discussion: Characteristics of Good
Troubleshooters

• What characteristics have you observed in people

who you consider to be good troubleshooters?
• What characteristics do you notice in people who
are poor troubleshooters?
Applying a Troubleshooting Methodology

• Investigate
• Clearly define the issue as perceived by the user. How
would you know if it is resolved?
• What works? What doesn't work?

• Analyze
• Discuss all potential causes. Which potential causes are
likely? How could they be tested for and eliminated?
• Implement
• Eliminate potential causes in descending order of
likelihood
• Validate
• Ensure that the issue really is resolved and document
for future learning
Lesson 2: Resolving Service-Related Issues

• Troubleshooting Service-Related Issues

• SQL Server Error Log
• Windows Event Logs
Troubleshooting Service-Related Issues

• Check Windows and SQL error logs

• If SQL Server can be started but not accessed:

• Check for network-related issues
• Try to access SQL Server via the DAC

• If SQL Server will not start:

• Check the Windows system log
• Check master and model databases for corruption
• Check that the paths to tempdb files are accessible
• Try to start the service from the command prompt
SQL Server Error Log

• Contains a record of critical errors and important

events
• By default, the current log, plus copies of the six
most recent log files, are retained
• View with Log File Viewer (from the current
instance or from another instance) or by using a
text editor such as Notepad
• Review all the available log files; a problem may
not have started in the current logging period
Windows Event Logs

• System log to review Windows-related

information
• Application log for application-related messages
Lesson 3: Resolving Connectivity and Login
Issues

• Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues

• Troubleshooting Login Failures
Troubleshooting Connectivity Issues

• Try to access using Shared Memory on the

server:
• If no access via Shared Memory, troubleshoot the login and the
service
• Test the network connectivity
• Can the server name be resolved?
• Can the network and the server be reached?
• Is the client attempting to connect using the correct network
interface?
• Is the server configured to accept remote connections?
• Is the client configured to use the right protocol and settings?
• Is the Browser Service running for named instances that are not
using fixed ports?
• Are instance aliases correctly configured?
• Is a firewall blocking connectivity?
Troubleshooting Login Failures

• Windows logins:
• Is the domain controller available?
• Can SQL Server communicate with the domain controller?
• SQL Server logins:
• Is SQL Server configured for mixed mode authentication?
• Is the password correct?
• Is the login locked or is there a requirement to change the
password?
• General considerations:
• Is the login enabled and does it have CONNECT permission?
• Is the default/requested database available and is access
permitted?
Lab: Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Exercise 1: Troubleshoot and Resolve a SQL Login Issue

• Exercise 2: Troubleshoot and Resolve a Service Issue
• Exercise 3: Troubleshoot and Resolve a Windows Login
Issue
• Exercise 4: Troubleshoot and Resolve a Job Execution Issue
• Exercise 5: Troubleshoot and Resolve a Performance Issue

Logon Information
Virtual machine: 20764C-MIA-SQL
User name: AdventureWorks\Student
Password: Pa55w.rd

Estimated Time: 75 minutes

Lab Scenario

You need to be able to resolve common issues

with SQL Server processes and services at the time
they are occurring. This lab contains five exercises
that cover different types of issue—you should
attempt to troubleshoot and resolve as many of
them as possible.
Lab Review

• What tools might you use to monitor an

intermittent or long-term issue?
Module Review and Takeaways

• Review Question(s)
• Tools